🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

626

Body Style:

Station Wagon

Model Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

GW

Platform:

GD

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Station Wagon

Target Market:

Families, practical-minded consumers seeking utility and reliability

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry Wagon, Honda Accord Wagon, Subaru Outback, Ford Taurus Wagon, Chevrolet Lumina Wagon

Design Philosophy:

Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - Mazda's focus on driver engagement and handling

Vehicle Strengths:

Reliable powertrain, spacious cargo area, good handling for its class, value for money

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and conduct repairs, saving on labor costs and extending vehicle life.

Benefit To Technician:

Provides accurate factory specifications and procedures for efficient and correct repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Repair and Service Procedures

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Drivetrain

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Body Electrical, Powertrain Electrical, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System

Body And Trim:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Bumpers, Glass

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections & Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Common Issues, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical System Diagnostics, Engine Performance Diagnostics

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed steps for component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Tools:

Includes information on using diagnostic tools and interpreting sensor data.

Torque Specifications:

Provides specific torque values for all critical fasteners.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Resolution:

High-resolution, printable quality

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Text Search:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FS-DE (2.0L SOHC) and KF-ZE (2.5L DOHC V6 - less common in wagon)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder (most common), V6 (optional on some trims)

Displacement 2.0L:

1991 cc (121.5 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke 2.0L:

83.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2.0L:

9.2:1

Horsepower 2.0L:

118-122 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2.0L:

128-130 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (approx.)

Displacement 2.5L V6:

2490 cc (152.0 cubic inches)

Horsepower 2.5L V6:

168-170 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2.5L V6:

157-160 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS on some models)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent)

Oil Type 2.0L:

API SG, SF or SG/CF SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30

Oil Capacity 2.0L W Filter:

4.3 liters (4.5 US quarts)

Oil Type 2.5L V6:

API SG, SF or SG/CF SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30

Oil Capacity 2.5L V6 W Filter:

4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Type 4 Cyl:

5-Speed Manual

Type 4 Cyl:

4-Speed Automatic

Type V6:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approx. 3.4 liters (3.6 US quarts) for fluid change, 7.2 liters (7.6 US quarts) for overhaul

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil

Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:

Approx. 2.0-2.3 liters (2.1-2.4 US quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4660 mm (183.5 in)

Width:

1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

1475 mm (58.1 in)

Wheelbase:

2615 mm (103.0 in)

Front Track:

1490 mm (58.7 in)

Rear Track:

1480 mm (58.3 in)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 0.60 - 0.65 cubic meters (21-23 cubic feet)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 1.60 - 1.70 cubic meters (56-60 cubic feet)

Curb Weight Approx:

1300-1450 kg (2866-3197 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 1800-1950 kg (3968-4299 lbs)

Standard Tire Size:

195/60R15 or 205/55R15

Optional Tire Size:

205/60R15

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Wheel Size:

15x6.0 or 15x6.5 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4-star (for sedan, wagon may vary)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4-star (for sedan, wagon may vary)

ABS:

Available on some higher trims

Traction Control:

Rarely standard, may be available on select trims/markets

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard)

Seatbelts:

Front pretensioner seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard, but provision for child seats present

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player (optional CD) with 4-6 speakers. Basic analog controls.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control (depending on trim level) with rotary knobs and buttons.

Cruise Control:

Standard on many trims.

Keyless Entry:

Optional on higher trims.

Auxiliary Ports:

Not standard. Aftermarket solutions possible.

Dashboard Layout:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for system status.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (platinum recommended).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial! Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) for the 2.0L engine as it's an interference engine. V6 often has a timing chain.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or 2-4 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km). Manual: Check condition, typically every 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent

Engine Mounts:

Wear out over time, leading to vibration.

Alternator:

Can fail, especially in higher mileage vehicles.

Radiator And Hoses:

Can develop leaks or burst with age.

Cv Axles:

Boots can tear, leading to joint failure.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can become noisy and require replacement.

Automatic Transmission:

Can exhibit slipping or delayed shifting in high-mileage units, often due to solenoid issues or wear.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion can lead to leaks or component failure.

Power Window Motors:

Can fail over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Known for engaging driving dynamics and practical, reliable vehicles.

Generation:

Third Generation Mazda 626 (GD/GV Platform)

Generation Years:

1987-1992 (GD), 1992-1997 (GV - Station Wagon variant primarily)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (Mazda's main plants), also assembled in other global locations

Sales Trend:

Popular in the 1990s for its practicality and value, though sales declined with the rise of SUVs.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Past Accolades:

The Mazda 626 model line has historically received positive reviews for its value, handling, and reliability, though specific awards for the '97 wagon are less commonly cited compared to earlier generations.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated as average to above average in reliability by consumer publications of the era, with some variations by specific components.

Emissions Compliance:

Complies with relevant US EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.